FAITH IS
1 Peter 1:6–9 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you continue putting your faith in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6(ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible…6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Faith is like a diamond. It's multifaceted.
First Truth, faith is believing when I don't see it.
Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
The Bible teaches that faith is visualizing the future in the present.
Faith is simply trusting God to turn dreams into reality. Because “nothing happens 'til somebody believes it's possible.”
Second Truth, faith is obeying when I don't understand it
Hebrews 11:8 "It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him and go out to a country God had promised to him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going."
Faith always involves risks.
One of the greatest tests of your faith is Forgiveness.
Third Truth, faith is giving when I don't have it.
Giving and faith go together.
There are two ways that you can give. You can give by faith, or you can give by fear.
Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,”
Tithing doesn't hinder us. It empowers us.
Fourth Truth, faith is persevering when I don't feel like it.
Immature people build their lives on feelings rather than on commitments
"Successful people do what most people don't feel like doing."
Faith is refusing to give up, no matter how tired you get.
Hebrews 11:27 “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.”
Keep your eye on God, not on your problem.
God will give you the power to keep on keeping on.
Fifth Truth, faith is thanking God before I receive it.
Hebrews 11:30, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days".
Faith is not believing God can do it.
Faith is thanking God in advance.
Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Sixth Truth, faith is trusting if I don't get it.
God always hears every prayer and answers every prayer.
He does not answer always, the way I want Him to answer.
Sometimes, God says no.
The point is that living by faith does not exempt you from problems.
“God is more interested in your character than He is in your comfort.”
You don't know God is all you need until He's all you've got. And then you have to depend on Him.
Hebrews 11:39-40a: "They were all commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better..."
Real faith develops in the valleys of life when the dream is delayed.
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